China's Steel Export Prices Rise $3-5/mt Amid Soaring Freight Rates and Weak HRC Orders

Published: Mar 17, 2026 17:45

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SMM Flash: Today, some of China’s steel export prices were raised by $3-5/mt, with order shipment schedules mostly concentrated in May. Recently, due to a sharp surge in freight rates, traders faced difficulty in making shipments, and HRC order-taking weakened significantly. According to the SMM survey, freight rates to the Middle East were as high as $50-60, while freight rates to Malaysia had also reached $30, and clients outside China showed strong wait-and-see sentiment.

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